Happy New Year folks! It's been a little while, and I'll openly admit to being completely comatose during the holiday season. As a result, I feel regretfully obligated to open with a shout out to Duke's Nolan Smith. Yes, I despise Duke. Yes, I think their non-conference schedule is a joke every year - they look like an SEC football team with that scheduling! But I'm also not ashamed to admit when I'm wrong, and if I had a vote today, I'd be flipping a coin between Smith and a certain F/C in College Park for ACC Player of the Year. He's been that good across the board. Owners likely stole him in all drafts given said production, and unless you are under K's spell, you're praying Kyrie Irving never plays again. Congrats.
Now that I've gotten my one positive Duke note complete for the season, it's time to move on. Tonight is the final installment of a three-part series looking at the ACC's sophomore class. We all know every school's class can't be filled with four five-star players, so it is beyond obvious that some lesser heralded players will blossom. Not everyone below is a superstar, or even a role player, but for one reason or another, they deserve some ink!
Brian Oliver, F, Georgia Tech - Though he's struggled a bit recently, Oliver dropped 32 points on Syracuse earlier this season. Not bad for the 135th ranked prospect according to Rivals. Here are the facts: Oliver is averaging 11.4 points and five rebounds, which isn't terrific and isn't terrible. What is terrible is his 34.8% field goal percentage, a number that is down from a pretty lousy 39.4% from his rookie year. Finding the bucket seems to be the only thing keeping Oliver from being really, really good.
Reggie Johnson, C, Miami - If you find this article too long, or just don't care, at least read Johnson's name, and don't forget it. Fouls and fatigue are all that are keeping Johnson from being a superstar. He's 6 foot 10, weighs 303 pounds, and just put up a season-high 22 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes against Duke. Big man is from Winston-Salem too - wonder how many folks are missing that frame along Tobacco Road? Expect to see the 'Canes shorten their rotation throughout conference play and give Johnson as many minutes as they can. He's going to rival a Terrapin for my favorite player in the conference.
Seth Curry, G, Duke - Don't believe the hype...at least not this season. Curry has terrific potential, and name recognition. It's entirely possible he takes a similar leap as an upper classman a la Nolan Smith, or even as we see Andre Dawkins taking now. But Duke is never short on guards, and with three more ready to suit up in Durham next season, you have to question if Curry gets the opportunity he hoped for when he left Liberty.
Scott Wood, F, North Carolina State - If you love having a mad bomber on your team, then Wood is your man. Donald Williams he isn't (yes, UNC reference instead of Shocker Boy!) Wood isn't a terrific scorer, and while he is contributing similarly to a Wake's C.J. Harris to the tune of 10.5 points, 3.6 boards and two assists, there doesn't appear to be much upside here. The 'Pack are deeper on the perimeter for this year and beyond, and it's possible what you see from Wood is the best you'll get. Expect a roller coaster ride if you own him.
James Padgett, F/C, Maryland - Honestly, Padgett is just here to be a punching bag, and allow me to mention my new favorite player, classmate and man child Jordan Williams. Depending on what recruiting service you use, you may have see Padgett ranked ahead of Williams...and that one sentence probably discredited all of said recruiting services. Padgett's numbers aren't much different than they were a year ago, and there isn't much upside here.
DeShawn Painter, F/C, North Carolina State - There may not be another player in recent memory who had more of a roller coaster prep career than Painter. If memory serves me correctly, which it normally does, Painter floated between a 5-star and 4-star recruit throughout his junior year in high school only to plummet in national rankings as a senior. If you watch the 'Pack in warm ups, there aren't many more physically impressive players than the 6-foot-9 soph, and his length and springiness ooze potential. He's got a double-double on the year, and I think Painter is going to be a late bloomer. Tracy Smith is leaving Raleigh, and C.J. Leslie is probably following him. He's a terrific late season addition to those in dynasty leagues.
Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech - Waiver wire players love them some injuries, and Green has been arguably the best player across Tier 1 conferences since being forced into an opportunity. Over his last five games, Green has put up 14 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Sign me up for those if I was a Dorenzo Hudson owner! Green has been consistent too, having scored at least 11 points in those five contests. I'm not quite willing to say we have a stud in the making, but I am willing to tell keeper leaguers to grab this guy now. VaTech loses Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen next season, and Hudson won't have played in some 11 months. Green can and should be the focal point of this offense next year, and won't hurt ya this season at all.
Cadarian Raines, F, Virginia Tech - We don't even have to leave Blacksburg to go to the polar opposite end of the spectrum. Another 3-star recruit in the Hokies' 09-10 class, Raines simply can't stay healthy. After missing 11 games last season, Raines saw action in just four games this year before calling it a season with a foot injury that simply won't go away. He's going to be eligible for a medical redshirt, and should have three seasons left to produce. I liked Raines enough want him desperately in an ACC/SEC dynasty league last season, only to lose him to another owner in the 2nd round of our draft. He's got that kind of ability, and Jeff Allen's departure will provide the opportunity next season. But a 6 foot 8, 236 pounder with foot trouble screams trouble. This is a feast or famine selection if you have roster space and patience.
C.J. Harris, G, Wake Forest - One number is keeping Harris from being a reasonable fantasy option: 3.8 turnovers. Because a guard who puts up 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists clearly has value. Harris' scoring is pretty much on par with his rookie season totals (9.9 ppg) but the rest of his game has blossomed. You can certainly make the argument he is playing out of position, and it's anyone's guess where Harris' numbers go if and when freshman Tony Chennault returns. But until then, enjoy what you are getting from the former 3-star recruit.
Next week, I'll revisit my pre-season ACC Top 50...which is beyond overdue for an update as conference play begins. Reread the first paragraph, and tell me who is getting an injury assisted move up!